1. Plateau-Born Politician
   Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda was born on August 8, 1968, in Dungung, Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. He hails from a Christian family and is the son of the Late Rev. and Mrs. Toma Yilwatda. A prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe has long been active in Plateau State politics.
2. Educational Achievements
   Yilwatda’s academic journey began at Boys’ Secondary School, Gindiri, where he earned his First School Leaving Certificate in 1981 and his GCE (O/Level) in 1986. He pursued higher education in Electrical/Electronic Engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, graduating in 1992. He later obtained a Master of Engineering degree from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and a PhD from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
3. Specialization in Digital Systems Engineering
   As an expert in Digital Systems Engineering, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda has made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s technological landscape. His specialization includes systems design and innovations, which play a crucial role in modern technological advancements.
4. Contributions to Renewable Energy
   Prof. Nentawe was a key player in the PAWA 774 project, an initiative focused on providing clean and eco-friendly electricity through micro-grids to Nigerian communities. He also partnered with Tech-Ville USA to train 100 software and renewable energy engineers in Ondo State, further promoting sustainable energy solutions in the country.
5. Professional Affiliations
   Yilwatda is a highly respected member of various professional bodies. He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and holds memberships with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Solar Society of Nigeria, reflecting his strong standing in the engineering community.
6. UNICEF Consultancy Work
   From 2005 to 2012, Yilwatda served as a consultant on a major UNICEF turnkey project, where he led the design, training, and installation of alternative energy sources for cold chain systems in healthcare facilities across several Nigerian states. His work ensured more reliable storage of vaccines and other medical supplies in off-grid areas.
7. Former INEC Commissioner
   In 2017, Prof. Nentawe was appointed as a Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State, overseeing key electoral processes and ensuring transparency in election management.
8. International Energy Collaborations
   Nentawe participated in two Federal Government energy research delegations to the USA and Canada. He was also part of a Cuban Government and Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) collaboration that promoted energy efficiency across residential and public sectors in Nigeria, further strengthening his credentials in the energy sector.
9. 2023 Plateau APC Governorship Candidate
   Prof. Nentawe was the APC gubernatorial candidate for Plateau State in the 2023 elections. Although he lost to Caleb Muftwang, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his campaign solidified his standing as a major political figure within the state.
10. Ministerial Appointment
    Following his successful nomination by President Bola Tinubu, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda is poised to become Nigeria’s new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, pending Senate confirmation. This appointment marks a new phase in his public service career, where he is expected to apply his wealth of experience to addressing key humanitarian challenges in Nigeria. His appointment ends speculations about the return of former minister Betta Edu to the role.